September 24th

Photo Credit: Pinterest via todayswhisper.com

Tip of the Day: Whether you're an exercise newbie or have been sweating it out for months to get in amazing shape for your wedding, there's three easy guidelines you can follow to ensure you stick to the plan.

First, don't let yourself get bored with your wedding fitness routine! Make active dates to see friends and family and do something that doesn't involve eating and drinking. Walk through the park, go biking in summer, ice skate or cross country ski in winter, walk the mall, take a yoga or cardio class, or run on a treadmill right next to your friend.

Secondly, don't be ruled by numbers on a scale. If you're exercising and getting toned, you may lose inches before pounds. Use a favorite pair of jeans, and how you feel as a guide. Visualize the way you hope to look, but imagine your own personal best (there's no sense implanting a picture of Heidi Klum in your head).

Lastly, when you do well with your fitness routine, reward yourself with a non-food treat: a manicure, a new lipstick, a bunch of flowers.

Plus, check out The Ultimate Wedding Workout Plan.

10 Best Song Requests for Your Reception

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ PC3, a music aficionado and musician who draws on both of these talents to create a musical environment that inspires each and every crowd he spins for. With unmatched versatility, DJ PC3 spins the hottest clubs and parties, opens for artists including Erykah Badu, and wows corporate clients including Nike, Nordstrom, Red Bull and Samsung. When spinning a wedding, PC3 takes the time to create a set that will be memorable for couples and their guests. "At weddings, it's really about picking the right song for the right moment.” ring bearer dancing
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography 

BG Cheat Sheet: What's Hot This Week

Earlier this week, we celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with a look back at our favorite Jewish weddings. And we're so ready for the start of fall tomorrow. Are you having an autumn wedding? Be sure to check out 100 fun and festive ideas here. 

Shoutout to Facebook follower Brenda Deweese, who's celebrating the first day of fall in our favorite way possible — getting married, of course! Congratulations, Brenda!

If you've also had a busy week, catch up now on our hottest features:

We've all seen those incredibly beautiful, awe-inspiring centerpieces while searching for floral inspiration. But the hidden price tags can put you in a budget-induced coma ($900 per centerpiece? Really??). That's why we asked A Touch of Elegance Floral & Event Design to reinvent their most exquisite designs into gorgeous budget-friendly alternatives, saving as much as 60%! 

wedding centerpieces

Old Hollywood-Inspired Silk Gowns

old hollywood silk gowns

Take a style cue from the stars of yesteryear and choose a slinky silk gown with a bias-cut hem. This figure-hugging style is sure to turn heads and have you feel like you are walking down the white carpet. Consider pairing this look with Art-Deco inspired jewels and a starlet-worthy hairstyle: think Veronica Lake waves or a chic updo secured with a crystal hairpin.

Naima DiFranco

5 Ways to Repurpose Household Items as Wedding Décor

Guest blogger: Kate Harrison, creator of greenbrideguide.com.
After planning her own green wedding in 2007, Kate wrote 
the best-selling green wedding book, The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget (Sourcebooks, 2008). In 2009, she founded greenbrideguide.com to help couples use their weddings to promote social and environmental change while supporting the local green economy. Kate has a JD in Environmental Law and a Master's from Yale in Environmental Policy.

Costs add up so quickly when you're planning a wedding. The good news, though, is that you don't have to purchase brand new items for every single aspect of your big day. If you take a look around your home, local thrift stores and flea markets, you'll be surprised at what you can repurpose into wedding décor with a little creativity.

And, of course, aside from saving costs, adding repurposed décor has another great benefit: you will help the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated by your wedding. You'll also create a unique aesthetic that will be all the talk of your wedding!

Here are my top five favorite repurposed wedding décor ideas.

1. DIY Cupcake Stands Made from Old Plates and Vases 
There’s a certain charm to mismatched vintage plates and vases. Shop for a variety of plate and vase designs that you love.

How the Obamas Will Celebrate Their 20th Anniversary

president barack obama michelle obama wedding


Photo via Michelle Obama on Pinterest

On October 3, Michelle and President Barack Obama will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. But this election season's first Presidential debate has thrown a major wrench in any celebratory plans — it'll take place that very night in Denver, CO.

"I learned yesterday — just yesterday [of the date]. I was like really, really? The first presidential debate is on my 20th anniversary?" the First Lady told Access Hollywood. But she's taking it in stride: "All I said was, 'At least we'll be together.'"

The couple, currently campaigning separately, will meet up in Denver for the debate and celebrate in their own way.

"I'll see him right before and I'll watch him on stage," she said. "I'll give him a kiss after the debates and [say], 'Happy Anniversary.'

"I'm going to make him write it on his hand. 'Love you, honey' so that when he waves, it makes 'I love you honey,'" she added. 

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

September 20th

Photo Credit: David Schwartz Photography

Tip of the Day: A tip for the Maid of Honor: Don’t forget to send quick emailed thank-you’s to bridesmaids when they pay on time for their dress orders, bridal shower or bachelorette party plans and gifts. They’ll love your thoughtfulness, and working with them throughout the process may go much more smoothly.

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